Top 10 walks to try over the festive break

Whether looking to improve fitness or spend some quality time with family and friends this festive period, here are a list of the top 10 organised walks throughout the country that take full advantage of the beauty of the English countryside.

What better way to enjoy the family orientated Christmas period than to walk off the overload of food and drink by participating in a Christmas organised walk. We have compiled the top 10 locations for these walks over the festive period, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, spanning the country and uncovering hidden gems. As well as organised events on specific days and times, this list includes organised routes that can be undertaken at your leisure, so those looking to join a group of walkers and those wishing to spend some quality family time can find a walk to suit them. So relax, and soak in the beautiful English scenery this Christmas with routes suitable for the whole family.

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1. New Years Day Walk in Cornbury Park, OxfordshireCharlbury residents have the opportunity to explore Cornbury Deer Park, which is opened to the public this New Years Day. Whether looking for fresh air or a chance for a family day out, this park fulfils both requirements, with the added magnificence of having the opportunity to observe various species of deer, from Munjac to Fallow deer. The influx of deer as a result of the recent mild weather is more than enough incentive not to miss out on this event to start the New Year.For more information click here.

2. Christmas Day Walk in Stratford Upon AvonIf historical abundance is what you look for in an organised walk then this stroll through the town littered with Shakespeare artefacts is perfect. From boats named after his heroines, to 15th century timber framed buildings, this Christmas Day walk commencing at 10.30am will demonstrate the undeniable Shakespearean influence on this town, returning you home in time for Christmas dinner! Meet by the Waterside, which is by the fountain opposite Sheep Street, and with no need to book this historical treat will spark interesting conversations around the Christmas dinner table!For more information click here.

3. Boxing Day Walk in Bronte FallsFrom Shakespeare to Bronte, another famous legend of English literature is celebrated in this Boxing Day circular 5-mile walk which incorporates a waterfall dedicated to the Bronte sisters who resided here. Join Phil Hatton and Barbara Walker at 11am to commence this scenic route in West Yorkshire complete with punch and mince pies, a perfect combination of beautiful views and educational value, which can be appreciated by all members of the family.For more information click here.

4. Walk in Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire DalesFrom moderate strolls to challenging hikes Upper Wharfedale in Yorkshire Dales has planned routes of every variety. Sites to look out for in this area include the marvellous river Wharfe and Strans wood; so do not forget your camera when you visit this hidden gem of pleasing landscapes. Visitors of any age can find a planned walk that suits them, and can organise the experience whenever is best for your group of family or friends over the festive period.For more information click here.

6. New Years Day Walk in Chartwell, KentThis New Years Day enjoy a panoramic walk complete with brunch around the picturesque countryside surrounding the former residence of Winston Churchill: Chartwell in Kent. Alongside appreciating the landscape whilst beginning the New Year as you mean to go on with a proactive walk, visitors can learn how the gardens are tended in the winter to prevent frost damage, a skill that can be applied to your own garden. Commencing at 10.30am and finishing at 1pm, this historical and educational walk is a fantastic way to begin the New Year.For more information click here.

7. Walk in Cuffley, HertfordshireIf walking a devised route at your own pace and your own selected company appeals to you then this magnificent walk through Cuffley, celebrating the volunteering work to maintain its woodland, is for you. The five-mile route begins at the station and winds its way through woods, hills and footpaths with alternating terrain to work off that Christmas feast. This walk can be commenced at whatever time suits the party and equally as little or as long can be spent admiring the quaint views of this picturesque village in southeast Hertfordshire.For more information and the exact route click here.

8. Woodland Theatre Walk, Tehidy Country Park, CornwallIf a unique walking experience sounds appealing this festive period, then this thrilling theatre experience situated in Tehidy Country Park in Cornwall performed by Rogue Theatre will certainly fuel your imagination. Occurring at 4pm and 6.30pm daily until December 29th, excluding Christmas day, this performance requires the audience to wander through the woodland whilst fairies and spirits sing songs and narrate tales. This festive delight is a sensational event, complete with complimentary hot chocolate and sparkly face paint, all you need to create festive cheer.For more information click here.

9. Walk in Flatford & Constable Country, SuffolkLet the fresh country air and idyllic scenary of Flatford and Constable Country sooth your fatigue and headache from the night before this New Years day. This four-mile walk weaves around the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, with the opportunity to admire the beautiful views that inspired the 18th century landscape artist John Constable. With generally a flat route with moderate slopes this walk is enjoyable for all ages, with the added entertainment of spotting the scenes that Constable utilised in his six-foot canvas paintings.

10. Walk from Buttermere to Rannerdale Knotts, Cumbria Finally this brisk 5.2km route originating in the small village of Buttermere to the Wainwright of Rannerdale Knotts can be walked at the leisure of the party, allowing unlimited time to take in the lovely views. In spite of the short length this walk includes multiple hills, which enhances the view but equally suggests it may be reserved for the more experienced walker. However there is no doubt that this route will help to shift any Christmas excesses whilst rewarding the walker with beautiful countryside scenes.For more information click here.